Cate Gutowski

We are in a market cycle where more companies are managing turn arounds than driving their current path forward. Jennifer George offers some great thoughts on how to communicate change effectively through a turn around effort.

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🎙 Reboot.io co-founder Allison Schultz joins #TuesdayswithMorrisey to discuss her new book, "The Art of Being Human at Work" Here were the top takeaways: 💡Creating a safe and respectful work environment is essential for employee engagement and productivity. Ali emphasizes the need for a supportive atmosphere where individuals can thrive and fully express themselves. 💡Social and hierarchical pressures can restrict genuine expression and fulfillment, leading to a toxic work culture. Ali advocates for more authenticity and less performance, urging workplaces to move away from superficiality and embrace genuine connections. 💡Equine facilitated coaching is a powerful method for personal growth. The horses reflect human emotions and amplify internal experiences, helping individuals process and overcome personal barriers. One session with horses can provide the same insights and development as six months of traditional coaching. 💡 Many leaders understand that cultural improvements can enhance financial performance. Effective feedback and good communication are critical for business success, with even minor improvements significantly impacting the company's bottom line. In our conversation, we discuss: 🔹Ali’s recent book release 🔹The importance of being human at work 🔹How to bring our full selves to work 🔹The current status quo in the workplace 🔹Ali’s arch of transformation: Making Peace with Your Shadows, Unfolding Your Authentic Self, From Fear to Courage, Embracing Change, Laying a Foundation of Trust, Embodied Leadership 🔹A formula for better humans and better leaders: Practical Skills + Radical Self-Inquiry + Shared Experiences = Greater Resiliency + Enhanced Leadership 🔹The importance of being part of a team and shared experience 🔹Ali’s definition of art 🔹The transformative practice of equine coaching Listen now🎧: - Substack: https://lnkd.in/gijS5i7q - Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gYRq-tYu - Apple: https://lnkd.in/gtMpzuyi - Youtube: https://lnkd.in/g6c6H4Nx - MarketScale: https://lnkd.in/gNB4Tzng

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Dear Agency CEO, I see you. Standing at the end of another unpredictable, bouncy year. I see you because I’ve met 189 of you this year. And while your offerings, markets, and teams may be completely unique, so many of your challenges are the same. I see the part of you that’s fighting on, fueled by passion, grit, and sheer determination. I see the part of you that’s thinking ‘is this actually worth it?’ tempted by the idea of stopping. I see the part of you that believes your agency offering is unique. I see the part of you that’s looking over at an eeeerily similar competitor. I see the part of you that’s unsure what’s next, navigating the unknown with equal parts hope and hesitation. I see the part of you that stands tall, confidently pointing the way forward for your team and your clients. I see the part of you that looks back, longing for the simpler, easier days. I see the part of you that’s being asked for your expert opinion on everything from AI to the latest trends. (And make you wonder how you’ve ended up on a panel chatting about it. 🤪) I see the part of you that’s wondering if you’re keeping up. I see the part of you that feels unstoppable, yet sometimes fragile. I see the part of you that is thriving—and the part that feels like it’s just surviving. Here’s the thing: there will always be parts of you in conflict. I feel it the whole time. That’s the nature of leadership, of running an agency, of being you. But what I know for sure: something remarkable about you got you here. Something about you sparked trust, belief, and momentum in others—enough for them to follow your lead. That spark, that light, is still glowing inside of you. But… To move forward, you have to let go of the things that weigh you down. The doubts. The unnecessary layers. The distractions. What got you here might not be what gets you to the next level. It’s time for addition by subtraction. This month, I’m asking my CEOs: • What are you letting go of as this year comes to a close? • And what are you doubling down on as you prepare for the next? Because clarity comes when we stop carrying the things we don’t need and give attention to the things we do. Subscribe to hear what a bunch of CEOs said to the q’s 👇

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Considering the interpretation/emotional reaction of different stakeholders to your messaging (investors vs. consumers for example) is important in today’s social media world. 

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This week's #MondaySparks - three unique and innovative menu items, product launches, marketing campaigns, etc. to inspire and get the creative juices flowing as we head into the week: 1. On a visit to La Foret in Denver over the weekend, we had a delicious stag au poivre with spice ash and peppercorn cognac and wild boar ribs with citrus, red wine, and blackberry-sage glaze. Options like venison, elk, and boar were all over menus throughout the region -- we had a boar burger at Forest Room 5, a bison short rib burrito at Ember in Estes Park, there were brussels sprouts topped with wild boar bacon and elk burgers at Barbed Wire Reef, and Carnivore Taqueria had boar carnitas. I remember a lab-grown meat brand that was focusing on animals we rarely eat (kangaroos, lions) saying that it's crazy to limit ourselves to the three or four animal proteins we focus on -- or to think that they're even the most delicious. Arby's has played with unique proteins on their menu -- how can more operators do the same? 2. Time Magazine's "200 Best Inventions of 2024" list is out and there are some really amazing innovations on display. There are some clear themes: inventions that detect health issues earlier, wearable health monitoring tech, lots of AI, innovations aimed at sustainability, new ideas in textiles and fashion, and renewed innovations for space travel and exploration. A few that stood out: InnerPlant CropVoice engineers plants to emit a signal when they are stressed by a fungal infection so they can be treated and saved, the Pebble Flow is a semi-autonomous modern RV that stands out in a segment that hasn't seen much innovation, Forager uses AI to create the world's largest library of little-understood small molecule compounds (or bioactives) in plants and link them to health benefits (Blue Diamond almonds is already a partner), and the FinaMill FinaPod GT is an electric spice grinder with swappable pods. What's the best invention you've seen this year? What still needs to be invented? (https://lnkd.in/g3zMg27C) 3. I remember a client asking years ago if flavored and compound butters would ever break through at retail. There are certainly a lot of options hitting the market now: Maeve Webster and I saw numerous compound butters at the Specialty Food Association Fancy Food Show this year, Walmart's bettergoods line has options like black truffle butter and hot honey butter, Texas Roadhouse features both original and honey cinnamon whipped buttery spread at retail, Old Bay has garlic butter, AI has steakhouse butter, Churn has flavors like cacio e pepe and miso -- the list goes on. Is compound butter's time finally here? How do you take it to the next level? What are the foodservice opportunities? How can we get a little weird with them? #innovation #ideas #trends #creativity #menus #restaurants #foodservice #denver #protein #venison #boar #meat #inventions #tech #trends #butter #cpg #retail #supermarkets

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In today's business landscape, impact is redefined by strategic action. MotiveX emphasizes that "impact isn’t about size—it’s about strategic action." This shift urges us to focus on precision and intent in every step, maximizing impact and driving meaningful change.

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Why Your Mid-Market Company May Need a Fractional CMO According to the National Center for the Middle Market (NCMM), finding and retaining top-tier talent remains one of the most significant challenges for mid-market companies. One solution to this challenge is hiring an experienced fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). While many mid-market companies may not have the budget or immediate need for a full-time CMO, they can significantly benefit from the expertise and strategic leadership a fractional CMO can provide. The Mid-Market Talent Challenge: Mid-market companies occupy a unique space in the business ecosystem. They're beyond startup volatility but haven't yet reached enterprise-level resources. Doug Farren, NCMM's managing director, highlights a paradox: these businesses recognize talent as their primary competitive advantage, yet struggle to attract and retain high-caliber marketing leadership. Enter the Fractional CMO: A fractional CMO offers mid-market companies a flexible, cost-effective approach to accessing high-level marketing expertise. 1. Immediate Expertise Without Full-Time Overhead: Fractional CMOs bring extensive experience from diverse industries, providing immediate strategic insights without the financial burden of a full-time executive salary. They can rapidly diagnose marketing challenges and quickly implement in-market programs to address them. 2. Scalable Strategic Leadership: Unlike traditional consultants, fractional CMOs integrate deeply with your team. They don't just deliver reports—they actively guide execution, mentor internal teams, and adapt strategies as your company evolves. 3. Cost-Effective Innovation: Mid-market companies can access top-tier marketing talent at a fraction of the cost of a full-time executive. This approach allows for strategic investment in growth initiatives while maintaining lean operational costs. 4. Risk Mitigation: Hiring the wrong full-time marketing leader can be expensive and disruptive. Fractional CMOs provide a low-risk opportunity to test strategic approaches and leadership compatibility before making long-term commitments.   As always, talent is the ultimate competitive advantage, and fractional marketing leadership represents a low-risk, strategic approach for mid-market companies. It's not just about filling a role—it's about unlocking potential, accelerating innovation, and increasing growth. https://lnkd.in/ekRXsFdD

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The experience that your brand delivers matters.

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This! This goes far beyond wisdom for CEOs and turnarounds. These are rock solid, top shelf, varsity squad (insert your favorite superlative) principles for leadership at every level: 1. Heritage as North Star 2. Front-Line First 3. Problem Definition is Everything 4. Framework, Not Frenzy 5. Time Horizon Management

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Our discussion with the visionary Arpi Mardirossian delved deeply into the critical gaps in AI governance across various levels, including organizational, national, and international … gaps that impact small businesses and require novel strategies to bridge them.

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When Tarun and I started BOULT in 2017, we didn’t have it all figured out—just a shared vision and the drive to make it happen. The early days were all hands-on deck: from manufacturing to sales, we did it all ourselves, immersing deeply in every step of the process. Fast forward to today—seven years, a bootstrapped journey, and over 700 crores in revenue. It’s been both challenging and incredibly rewarding, and the journey has taught us some invaluable lessons: • No dream is too big or too small. It’s all about how you’re willing to shape it and make it big. • Funding isn’t the only path to growth. Knowing when, where, and how to invest smartly can drive sustainable progress. • Industry knowledge is key. Deep understanding of your market enables you to create real impact and stay ahead. • Stay involved at every level. As founders, no one knows the vision better than you. Mold your team and build a culture that reflects it. Remember, no task is too big or small. The hustle, the resilience, and the will to do it right—that’s what defines the journey. Here’s to the next chapter! #BoultJourney #Entrepreneurship #GrowthMindset #Boult #Bootstrapped

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Great summary Jennifer George and all too true of so many large companies. The interesting thing here is that these are mission-driven companies. These new executives couldn't see the mission being executed at the exec level so they rightly went to the front line employees. While shiny object syndrome can redirect the C-suite easily, the front line is what keeps the organization from failing. And showing the front line the respect they deserve and hearing their concerns is exactly how you stabilize the executive chaos and refocus on what matters.

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📊 Q1 2024 CEO Confidence Index - Strategic Insights for Business Leaders The latest results from the Vistage CEO Confidence Index are in, and they bring encouraging news: Confidence among (~1,800) CEOs has risen for the fourth consecutive quarter to 85.9. This uptick not only mirrors rising CEO confidence but also syncs with the predicted growth cycle for 2025, marking it as a key predictor for the U.S. Industrial Production Index. A strong, well-aligned leadership team is imperative to make the most of the coming growth opportunities. Now's a good time to get your succession plans in order too. https://lnkd.in/gqufiSqF

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Today’s executives need more than expertise—they need a platform. And that’s where First Flight Books come in. They’re here to help you gain credibility and establish your personal brand through your book, reaching an audience that needs to hear your message.

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The nation’s never-ending election cycle finally came to an end last month, and now business leaders have high hopes for the year to come. Chief Executive’s latest CEO Confidence Index read of 135 CEOs, polled December 3-5, finds the majority expecting that business-friendly policies coming from the White House and rate cuts from the Fed will put new spring in the step of the economy. That's driven their forecasts of business conditions 12 months from now above 7 (on a 10-point scale where 1 is Poor and 10 is Excellent) for just the second time in the past three years. CEOs’ outlook this month matches the 2024 high set back in March after Fed chair Jay Powell praised the economy. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dMgx_YY6

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I have a divided family (politically) I asked Chat GPT this question: “What is the difference between Facts, Information and Opinion from a political perspective?” here is what came back: “From a political perspectivethe distinction between facts, information, and opinion is essential for understanding discourse, media coverage, and public debate. Here’s how they differ: 1. Facts    •   Definition: Verified statements or realities that can be objectively proven true or false, often based on evidence or data.    •   Example in Politics: “The 2024 U.S. presidential election will take place on November 5.” This is a verifiable fact.    •   Role in Politics: Facts serve as the foundation for informed decision-making and policy development. However, they can be selectively presented or manipulated to support specific narratives. 2. Information    •   Definition: Organized data or communicated knowledge that may include facts, context, and additional content to provide a fuller understanding.    •   Example in Politics: “Voter turnout in the 2020 election was 66.8%, the highest since 1900.” This conveys facts within a larger context.    •   Role in Politics: Information helps people make sense of facts, but the way it’s framed or presented can influence perception. For example, emphasizing certain statistics over others can shape public opinion. 3. Opinion    •   Definition: Personal interpretations, beliefs, or judgments about facts or information, which are subjective and cannot be universally proven true or false.    •   Example in Politics: “I believe the government should increase taxes on the wealthy to reduce inequality.” This is a personal viewpoint.    •   Role in Politics: Opinions drive political debates and discussions. They can be informed by facts or misinformation, and are often shaped by ideology, values, or emotional appeals. Key Differences Aspect Facts Information Opinion Objective/Subjective Objective Can be objective or subjective Subjective Verification Verifiable Sometimes verifiable Not verifiable Purpose To establish truth/reality To provide understanding To express beliefs or persuade Interplay in Politics    •   Facts are foundational but can be selectively highlighted or ignored.    •   Information may present facts in a way that subtly leads audiences to certain conclusions.    •   Opinions rely on facts and information but are often used to rally support or oppose policies, candidates, or ideas. Understanding the differences helps critically assess political messaging and engage in more thoughtful discussions.

Marketing leaders are becoming obsolete while their teams quietly build the future. Here's what's actually happening in marketing departments right now: Leaders are in endless meetings about "AI strategy" while their teams are already running personal AI agents to get work done. Shadow AI is the new shadow IT. Your marketers are: - Using Claude to write first drafts of content - Running Midjourney to create campaign visuals - Building personal automation workflows with custom GPTs - Training AI on your brand voice without telling you - Creating more output than ever (while you think they're "more productive") Meanwhile, marketing leaders are: - Debating theoretical AI use cases in leadership meetings - Creating restrictive AI policies no one follows - Asking for "AI strategy" presentations - Completely disconnected from the AI tools revolutionizing marketing - Still doing marketing like it's 2021 The gap between marketing leadership and marketing practitioners has never been wider. Here's the truth: Your marketing team is already AI-first. They're just not telling you. Leaders have two choices: 1. Keep playing catch-up while your team builds the future without you 2. Get in the trenches, learn the tools, and actually lead the AI transformation The marketing leaders who will thrive are those who stop theorizing about AI and start using it. Your move, leaders. The revolution is already happening - with or without you. What's your take? Are marketing leaders falling behind their teams in the AI era?

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